Incense Cedar Wood Wasps

Anaxyelidae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anaxyelidae: //ˌæn.ækˈsɪl.ɪˌdiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Syntexis libocedrii by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Syntexis libocedrii by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Syntexis libocedrii by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Syntexis libocedrii by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Syntexis libocedrii by Katja Seltmann. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Anaxyelidae is a family of incense cedar wood wasps that includes only one living species, Syntexis libocedrii, which exhibits a unique ovipositing behavior in recently burnt wood. The family has a rich fossil record dating back to the Mesozoic era, emphasizing its long evolutionary history.

Physical Characteristics

Mesonotum not divided by a transverse groove between bases of fore wings. Protibia with 1 apical spur. Last tergum and last sternum of both sexes apically thin and without cylindrical projection. Pronotum in lateral view sloping forward at about 45°; pronotum in dorsal view with posterior margin weakly concave, with medial length over one-half lateral length. Fore wing with posterior-most vein (2A&3A) sinuate and in part far from posterior margin of wing. Pedicel as long as flagellomere 1. Metanotum with pair of cenchrus.

Identification Tips

Look for a pronotum that appears sloped in lateral view and a sinuate rear wing vein. The unique behavior of ovipositing in burnt wood can also help identify them.

Habitat

Prefers habitats with burnt trees, specifically incense-cedar, red cedar, or juniper.

Distribution

Native to Western North America, particularly in mountainous areas of central California to southern British Columbia.

Diet

Larvae develop in the sapwood of conifer trees, primarily in burnt wood.

Life Cycle

Larvae develop in the wood of recently burnt conifers.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs in the sapwood of conifers, typically in wood that is still smoldering.

Ecosystem Role

Plays a role in wood decomposition by infesting burnt trees, potentially aiding in the process of nutrient recycling in forest ecosystems.

Collecting Methods

  • Manual collection from burnt wood areas after fires

Preservation Methods

  • Drying specimens
  • Embedding in resin

Evolution

Anaxyelidae has an extensive Mesozoic fossil record, with significant diversity noted during the Early Cretaceous, and fossils dating back to the Middle Jurassic.

Similar Taxa

  • Other wood-boring hymenoptera
  • Cedar wood wasps from different taxa

Tags

  • Hymenoptera
  • wood wasps
  • Syntexis libocedrii
  • Mesozoic fossils
  • burnt wood